Tag Archives: Don Barnes

SANTA ANA, Ca. (June 3, 2020) – We are aware of photos and video regarding an Orange County Deputy Sheriff wearing patches on his uniform that are associated with extremist groups. These symbols are not department-approved and are prohibited by policy, and contradict the values of the Sheriff’s Department. First and foremost, thank you to the many members of the public who brought this to our attention.

“This deputy’s decision to wear these patches, and the implication of his association with an extremist group, is unacceptable and deeply concerning to me,” said Sheriff Don Barnes. “Any symbol can have multiple meanings and is open to interpretation, which is why wearing of non-approved symbols and patches is strictly prohibited. Instances like this can forge a wedge separating law enforcement from the community we serve, especially during these turbulent times.”

A core mission of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is to provide public safety services free from prejudice or favor and to listen to the concerns of the community we serve.

The Department is conducting an internal investigation. In addition, we have re-briefed all employees regarding our uniform policy.

(LOS ANGELES, CA – 6/3/2020) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to investigate a deputy sheriff caught on camera wearing a patch supporting right-wing paramilitary groups on his uniform.

The unidentified deputy was part of a group of deputies in Costa Mesa on Tuesday night in response to a protest of the murder of George Floyd. A publicly shared video shows the deputy wearing on his uniform what appears to be a patch of the United States flag partially covered by the logo of the Three Percenters above the word “Oathkeeper,” located in the middle of his tactical vest.

The Three Percenters is a patriot movement that pledges armed resistance against attempts to restrict private gun ownership. The group was co-founded in 2008 by Mike Vanderboegh, who is well known for his violent rhetoric. He published an online novel describing a future confrontation where activists with patriot movement views engage in shootout with law enforcement and plan to murder government officials.

In Idaho, the group has mobilized religious hatred and xenophobic hostility, organizing public rallies against Syrian refugee resettlement.

“It is outrageous that a member of a law enforcement organization would be so brazen as to apparently wear a symbol of violence, discord and bigotry on his uniform, especially in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

“We demand that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) investigate this incident, identify the officer and take appropriate action. We also call for the OCSD to formulate a clear policy against the display of such offensive material and to apologize for this lack of oversight.”

Ayloush urged community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at 714-776-1177 or by filing a report at: https://bit.ly/2L9Ezsw.

CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.

The 2018 Orange County Primary Election is over! The statewide turnout was awfully low. Only 21% of the state’s voters turned out, according to the CA Secretary of State. The turnout here in Orange County was slightly better at 24%.

The big news in Orange County was the successful recall of State Senator Josh Newman. In total almost 60% of the electorate in his district voted yes on the Recall. He paid the price for voting to raise our gas taxes! His recall means the Democrats no longer have a super majority in California’s State Senate. Newman will be replaced by former Republican Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang. Continue reading→

The 2018 June Primary Election is coming up on June 5. We have examined all of the candidates in Orange County. If you support the CA Gas Tax you will not like this Voter Guide. We are generally not supporting candidates who want to raise our taxes or who support the High Speed Rail boondoggle. Here are our thoughts about the candidates for local offices here in Orange County:

Orange County Assessor – the incumbent is Claude Parrish. From what we hear he is a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Nevertheless the OC GOP has endorsed him. The Democrats have endorsed Nathaniel Fernandez Epstein, a lawyer who did not bother to buy a candidate’s statement. We like Richard B. Ramirez, a Deputy Assessor. He has our endorsement.

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens to retire at end of current term

Endorses Undersheriff Don Barnes as her successor

Santa Ana, CA – – Sandra Hutchens, Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, announced today that she will not seek reelection in 2018 and is endorsing Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes.

“At the end of my current term, I will have spent almost 40 years in law enforcement and over 10 years as Sheriff of Orange County,” said Hutchens. “It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as Sheriff and I would not even consider retiring if there was not a highly qualified and electable candidate ready to serve. Continue reading→